Barbiturate Detox and Withdrawal
Barbiturates are sedatives that are usually prescribed to treat epilepsy, anxiety, and sleeping problems. As barbiturates can be addictive, people who develop a problem may need to attend a barbiturate detox center. There are lots of different types of barbiturates, and although the effects are similar between them, each one tends to last for a different amount of time.
Barbiturate use in the medical profession has become less common over the years, but research suggests that street use is on the increase.
Did You Know?
Taking barbiturates with food or milk can help to reduce stomach irritation.
Considerations
Like most drugs, barbiturates can cause a range of side effects. Patients taking barbiturates may experience the following:
- Dizziness
- Upset stomach
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Weakness
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Nosebleeds
If you experience any side effects, tell your physician. He or she may need to adjust your dose or give you an alternative prescription.
Did You Know?
Barbiturates have lots of nicknames, including “reds,” “downers,” “purple hearts,” “nembies” and “golf balls.”
Withdrawal Symptoms
Some people become addicted to barbiturates by using them recreationally, but it is possible to develop dependence through normal use because of the way the drugs act on the brain. Anyone who takes barbiturates regularly for more than a month may experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop, and withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
Always seek advice from your doctor before trying to withdraw from barbiturate use.
Taking high doses of barbiturates can cause an overdose. If you suspect that someone has overdosed on barbiturates, call for an ambulance immediately. Overdose symptoms include:
- Clumsiness
- Drowsiness
- Slurred speech
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Unconsciousness
- Coma
Factoid:
- Large doses of barbiturates can cause people to stop breathing.
- The National Institutes of Health states that one in 10 people who overdose on barbiturates or a mixture of drugs will die.
Barbiturate Withdrawal Options
“There is a range of options open to anyone needing to withdraw from barbiturates.” There is a range of options open to anyone needing to withdraw from barbiturates. Your physician or addiction treatment professional will be able to come up with a withdrawal plan to taper your dose over a period of time. This plan will help your body gradually adjust to lower barbiturate levels and minimize withdrawal symptoms. Treatment must be tailored to your needs and will vary depending on the dose of barbiturates you have been taking. You may be referred to a barbiturate withdrawal treatment facility for further intervention.
Barbiturate withdrawal treatment facilities are run by staff who are trained to help people overcome their barbiturate dependencies. Doctors oversee the running of barbiturate detox centers and create individualized withdrawal programs for patients. Access to any drugs other than those prescribed for barbiturate detox programs is prevented, which can make inpatient programs work more effectively than outpatient ones. Patients will be offered counseling and group therapy sessions to get to the root of their problems and help them learn to live without barbiturates once they have been detoxified.
Center staff will endeavor to personalize your addiction treatment program by meeting with you to discuss your individual circumstances. It is important that you are completely honest when answering questions, as a program that meets your needs is more likely to result in successful withdrawal.